Easy Black Turtle Bean Soup Recipe
This black turtle bean soup is a hearty, smoky, and nutritious dish packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Featuring black beans, vegetables, and warm spices, this soup is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 3 garlic cloves crushed or pressed
- 1 tsp ground cumin or cumin seeds
- ½ tsp chipotle powder or red pepper flakes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cans 15 oz each black beans, drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked black beans)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, ground cumin, and chipotle powder (or red pepper flakes). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, add the black beans, bay leaves, and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Stir well, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaves. Blend about 1 cup of the soup for a creamier texture, then mix it back in.
- Stir in freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra lime juice, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or sour cream. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Black Beans: You can use canned black beans for convenience or dried black beans cooked in boiling water for 1–1.5 hours. If using dried beans, soak them overnight for quicker cooking.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the chipotle powder or substituting with smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor.
- Texture Tip: Blending one cup of the soup makes it creamy while keeping some texture. For a smoother soup, blend more; for a chunkier version, skip blending.
- Lime Juice: Don't skip the fresh lime juice at the end—it enhances the flavors beautifully!
- Garnish Ideas: Serve with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, dairy-free yogurt, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and crunch.
- Storage: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.